Brunson Leads Knicks' OT Comeback in Series Opener
Jalen Brunson orchestrated a stunning comeback, pouring in 38 points to lead the New York Knicks to a hard-fought 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of their playoff series.
In a tense playoff opener at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks seized a 1-0 series lead, staging a dramatic rally after trailing by 14 points entering the fourth quarter.
Cleveland held a 48-46 halftime advantage and extended it to 83-69 early in the final frame, but New York responded with a decisive 32-18 fourth quarter to force overtime. The Knicks' defence proved pivotal, forcing 19 Cavaliers turnovers and registering 10 steals, while Karl-Anthony Towns secured a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a 25-20 edge in bench scoring, Cleveland couldn't contain Brunson's offensive onslaught, which also included 6 assists and 3 steals, complemented by Mikal Bridges' 18 points and 5 rebounds.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell paced the attack with 29 points and 6 steals, though he struggled from the field, shooting 36%. Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, adding 3 blocks, but the team's overall shooting efficiency faltered, hitting just 40% of their attempts.
With this crucial overtime win, the Knicks claim a 1-0 series lead, placing immediate pressure on the Cavaliers heading into Game 2.